Funny story. I went to record a SIMPLE friendship challenge for April about acknowledging friends’ birthdays, and it delved into some FEELINGS about birthdays I didn’t realize I was harboring. There will definitely be a part two with feedback from listeners because this was a quick 15-minute solo conversation that merely grazed the surface. The April challenge itself is simple and the easiest so far in 2025.I’m encouraging you to actively seek out friends' birthdays so you don't have to rely on social media to know the date. Step #1: Put your friends’ (and anyone else whose birthday you’d like to acknowledge) in your calendar. Why? Like I said, so you don’t have to rely on social media or group texts to know anyone’s birthday. This could be a casual friend, too! A colleague. A cousin. You might have to use social media to gather these birthdays or ask people directly. Then into the digital or paper calendar it all goes. Step #2: Acknowledge friends on their birthdays! Again, the idea is to not depend on social media. Whether you call, text, send a snail mail card, email—that’s up to you. Reach out to your friends on their birthdays. Period. This part will take all year. For April, just get them in the calendar. The rest of the episode explores the emotional complexities surrounding birthdays, comparing how other friends' birthdays get celebrated, and why I believe in planning your own parties. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you listen to the episode (only 15 minutes!) and if celebrating friends' birthdays and your own birthday brings up any feelings. I definitely shared some! Reach out any time at ninabadzin@gmail.com or anonymously, here, to have your thoughts included in the follow up episode and newsletter post. OR, perhaps you just want to vent about this topic. You can respond for that reason too! FIND EPISODE #140 on Apple, Spotify, Youtube, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! REMINDER: You can start the 2025 challenge any time. Each month is meant to stand alone and you don’t need an entire month to accomplish any of them. Find all the challenges listed here. Come back and let me know how it went no matter when you try that month’s “assignment.” STAY IN TOUCH AND LET US KNOW HOW IT GOES by commenting here or in the Dear Nina Facebook group. Episode #139: How to Start a PodcastI recorded an introduction to starting a podcast for anyone who's intimidated to begin. Send it to your friend who has been thinking about starting a podcast! I break down the process, explaining each aspect from concept, podcast art, music, format, equipment, recording, editing, hosting your episodes, marketing, realistic expectations for your friends' interest, realistic exceptions for how much a guest will share. All in less than 35 minutes! FIND EPISODE #139 on Apple, Spotify, Youtube, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! FOR TWIN CITIES READERS WHO WANT TO START A PODCASTI’m running a two-hour workshop at ModernWell on May 14th, 12:30-2:30. I’ll discuss all the steps, answer questions, and we’ll end with time to run your idea by everyone at the table. Register here.
Articles and Other Finds About FriendshipI see so many friendship-related things, either because I find them myself or listeners send them to me. I love hearing from listeners and readers!
Books, Shows, Recipes I’m Into These Days
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Right now Dear Nina listeners can give Armoire clothing rental a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/dearnina. Links to Amazon, Bookshop.org, or other affiliates might earn me a tiny commission, which helps operations of Dear Nina. You’re a free subscriber to Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. Frustrated with some of your friends? You’re not alone! The anonymous letters are a perk for paying subscribers. You probably have a similar question. Upgrade any time for the full archive AND for (optional!) quarterly Zoom hangouts with Nina and other paying subscribers.
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